Navigating airport procedures can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, especially when you're trying to catch a flight. But what if there was a way to make the check-in process smoother, faster, and more in your control? That's where the Southwest Airlines self-service kiosks come in! These convenient machines are designed to help you breeze through the initial steps of your journey, getting you to security and your gate with minimal fuss.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure with Southwest, mastering the kiosk can save you precious time and reduce pre-flight stress. So, let's dive in and learn exactly how to leverage these fantastic tools for a seamless travel experience.
Step 1: Locate Your Kiosk and Get Ready to Engage!
First things first, where are these magical machines? Upon arriving at the airport, head towards the Southwest Airlines check-in area. You'll typically find a bank of self-service kiosks prominently displayed, looking like sleek, freestanding computer screens. They're usually well-lit and often have Southwest staff nearby to offer assistance if needed.
Before you approach, have your essential travel information handy. This might include:
Your six-character confirmation number: This is the primary way to access your reservation. It's on your booking confirmation email.
Your Rapid Rewards number: If you're a frequent flyer, this can also be used.
A major credit card with your name on it: This is sometimes used for identification, especially if you can't recall your confirmation number.
Your government-issued photo ID: While not needed at the kiosk for check-in itself, you'll need it for the bag drop and security, so keep it accessible.
Ready? Approach an available kiosk with confidence! The screen will likely be a touch-sensitive display, so be prepared to interact directly with it.
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| How To Use The Kiosk At Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Identify Yourself and Retrieve Your Reservation
This is where the kiosk starts working its magic. The initial screen will prompt you to identify yourself. You'll have a few options:
Sub-heading: Entering Your Confirmation Number
This is often the quickest and most direct method. Look for an on-screen keyboard and carefully type in your six-character alphanumeric confirmation code. Double-check for any typos before hitting "Enter" or "Continue."
Sub-heading: Using Your Rapid Rewards Number
If you're a Rapid Rewards member, you can select this option. Enter your Rapid Rewards number using the on-screen keyboard.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
Sub-heading: Swiping a Credit Card for Identification
If you've forgotten your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number, you can sometimes swipe a major credit card. Important: This is typically for identification purposes only and won't charge your card unless you explicitly authorize a purchase later (like baggage fees or upgrades). The system uses the card to match your name to a reservation.
Once you've entered your identifying information, the kiosk will process it and should display your flight details. Take a moment to verify that the flight displayed is indeed yours! This includes your name, the flight number, destination, and departure time. If everything looks correct, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Confirm Your Flight Details and Make Selections
After successfully retrieving your reservation, the kiosk will present you with your flight information.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Itinerary
The screen will show your full itinerary, including any connecting flights. This is your chance to double-check all the details one last time. Look for your name, destination, departure time, and gate (if available yet).
Sub-heading: Choosing or Confirming Your Seat (if applicable)
Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, meaning there are no pre-assigned seats. However, the kiosk may display your boarding position (A, B, or C, followed by a number). Some kiosks allow you to view a seat map and potentially change your boarding position if you've purchased EarlyBird Check-In or are a A-List member. Don't stress too much about seat selection at this stage; actual seat choice happens onboard.
Sub-heading: Adding a Rapid Rewards Number or Upgrading
If you haven't already linked your Rapid Rewards number to your reservation, some kiosks allow you to do so now. You might also see options to upgrade to a Business Select® fare (if available) for perks like a guaranteed A1-15 boarding position and a premium drink coupon. Be mindful that upgrades come with additional costs.
Step 4: Indicate Checked Bags and Pay Fees
This is a crucial step if you're checking luggage. Southwest is known for its generous two free checked bags policy (within weight and size limits!), but fees apply for additional bags, overweight bags, or oversized items.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Sub-heading: Declaring Your Bags
The kiosk will ask you how many bags you intend to check. Using the touch screen, select the appropriate number of bags. Be honest! Under-declaring can lead to delays at the bag drop.
Sub-heading: Self-Tagging Your Luggage (Where Available)
Many Southwest kiosks offer self-tagging. This is a fantastic time-saver! If available, the kiosk will print out adhesive bag tags for each of your declared bags.
Follow the on-screen instructions carefully for attaching these tags. They typically loop through the bag handle and stick to themselves. Ensure the barcode is visible and the tag is securely fastened.
Pro Tip: Wait until all tags have printed before tearing them off the roll.
Sub-heading: Paying Applicable Baggage Fees
If you have more than two bags, or if any of your bags are overweight or oversized, the kiosk will calculate the applicable fees. You'll be prompted to pay these fees directly at the kiosk using a credit or debit card. Southwest generally does not accept cash for baggage fees at the kiosk.
Step 5: Print Your Boarding Pass and Collect Bag Tags
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You're almost there! This is the culmination of your kiosk experience.
Sub-heading: Printing Your Boarding Pass
Once you've confirmed your details and handled any baggage declarations/payments, the kiosk will print your boarding pass. This will clearly show your name, flight information, and most importantly, your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (e.g., A35).
You might also have the option to receive a mobile boarding pass sent to your phone via email or the Southwest app.
Sub-heading: Collecting Your Bag Claim Tags
If you self-tagged your bags, you'll already have those. If not, the kiosk may print small claim tags for each of your checked bags. These are important for tracking your luggage, so keep them safe!
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Step 6: Proceed to the Bag Drop (If Checking Bags) or Security
Your kiosk experience is complete! What's next depends on whether you're checking bags.
Sub-heading: Bag Drop-Off
If you checked bags and self-tagged, look for the clearly marked "Bag Drop" or "Self-Tag Bag Drop" area. This is typically a separate counter or conveyor belt where a Southwest agent will quickly scan your boarding pass and bag tags, verify your ID, and send your luggage on its way. This process is usually very fast.
If your airport doesn't have self-tagging or you encountered an issue, you'll proceed to the regular Southwest Airlines ticket counter to have an agent assist you with checking your bags.
Sub-heading: Heading to Security
Whether you have checked bags or are only carrying on, your next stop is the TSA Security Checkpoint. Have your government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass (printed or mobile) ready. Follow the signs to the security lines for your terminal.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the Southwest Airlines kiosk and are well on your way to your destination. Remember, these kiosks are designed to empower you with a more efficient check-in, so don't hesitate to use them on your next Southwest adventure!
10 Related FAQ Questions about Southwest Airlines Kiosks:
How to use the Southwest kiosk for international flights?
Quick Answer: For international flights, while you can often check in at the kiosk and print your boarding pass, you will always need to proceed to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter to check your luggage and present your passport for verification, as international travel requires additional checks.
How to change my seat at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: Southwest Airlines has an open seating policy, meaning seats aren't assigned in advance. The kiosk typically shows your boarding position (A, B, or C + number). While you can't "change" your seat in the traditional sense, A-List members or those who purchased Business Select or EarlyBird Check-In might see options to influence their boarding position, which affects when you board and thus your seat choice.
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
How to check in an unaccompanied minor at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: Unaccompanied Minors (Children traveling alone) cannot be checked in at the self-service kiosk. They must be checked in at the full-service Southwest Airlines ticket counter, where an agent can assist with the necessary paperwork and procedures.
How to pay for baggage fees at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: You can pay for applicable baggage fees (for additional, overweight, or oversized bags) directly at the Southwest kiosk using a credit or debit card. The kiosk will prompt you for payment after you declare your bags.
How to add a Rapid Rewards number at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: Yes, if your Rapid Rewards number wasn't included in your original booking, many Southwest kiosks allow you to add it to your reservation during the check-in process. Look for an option on the screen once your reservation is retrieved.
How to print a boarding pass if I checked in online but don't have a printer?
Quick Answer: Even if you checked in online, you can absolutely use the Southwest kiosk to print your boarding pass. Simply identify yourself using your confirmation number or Rapid Rewards number, and the kiosk will typically offer the option to print your boarding pass.
How to change my flight at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: Most flights booked with cash fares can be changed at a Southwest kiosk. However, flights booked with Rapid Rewards points, Companion Pass® travel, and Group reservations booked on the same itinerary cannot be changed at the kiosk. Basic fares also need to be upgraded before changes can be made.
How to add a lap child to a reservation at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: For domestic reservations, you can often add a lap child to your reservation at a Southwest self-service kiosk. This saves you a trip to the full-service counter.
How to use the self-tagging feature for bags at a Southwest kiosk?
Quick Answer: During the checked baggage process at the kiosk, if self-tagging is available at that airport, the kiosk will prompt you to print your own adhesive bag tags. Follow the on-screen instructions to attach them securely to your luggage before proceeding to the designated bag drop area.
How to find out if my airport has Southwest self-tagging kiosks?
Quick Answer: To check if self-tagging is available at a specific airport, you can visit the "Airport Information" page on the official Southwest Airlines website or ask a Southwest representative upon arrival at the airport.
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